Handhold long zoom lenses?
Dec 7, 2011 12:22:00 #
On the new zoom lenses, does the old rule of using a tripod if the shutter speed is longer than the inverse of the lens length still apply (200mm = 1/200 sec = fastest to handhold?) Or does the fact that the lens is physically shorter than the old prime long lenses were change the equation? I realize image stabiliztion will help regardless, just want to know how the lens zoom length affects shutter speed on these newer lenses. Thanks!
Dec 7, 2011 12:38:29 #
I still use the rule as a guide though with IS and VR you normally can go to somewhat slower shutter speeds hand held. Keep in mind the longer and heavier the lens is and its balance with the camera are all considerations
Dec 7, 2011 12:44:14 #
Dec 7, 2011 12:53:44 #
Dec 7, 2011 15:05:18 #
Dec 7, 2011 15:06:05 #
Dec 7, 2011 16:08:32 #
last night i took a hand held of the moon 1/250 FL 300mm (eq35 at 450) iso 100 Aperture 11 sharper then me lol
Dec 7, 2011 19:23:05 #
I'm considering purchasing such a lens but do not currently own one. Thought perhaps someone who had one could tell me how they do on handheld at the longer end of the zoom.
Dec 8, 2011 06:06:22 #
Dun1
Loc: Atlanta, GA
You can usually hand hold a camera body and take photos at 1/60 without any problem. Most flashes the internal and external flashes are set to trigger at 1/60 sec. If the subject is not moving, if you want to capture a subject that is moving you need to set your ISO high enough to achieve at least 1/500 sec, or you will get a blurred effect.
Dec 8, 2011 06:28:39 #
One thing that has helped me with longer exposures: most folks will take in a deep breath and hold it prior to taking a longer exposure but I have found that if you do this, the "stretch" receptors in your body will keep telling your brain: "EXHALE!". Try this, take in that deep breath, but let out about a 4th to a 3rd of it before you take the picture...your body will be more comfortable so you can hand hold a little longer.
Dec 8, 2011 06:52:22 #
Doug46 wrote:
On the new zoom lenses, does the old rule of using a tripod if the shutter speed is longer than the inverse of the lens length still apply (200mm = 1/200 sec = fastest to handhold?) Or does the fact that the lens is physically shorter than the old prime long lenses were change the equation? I realize image stabiliztion will help regardless, just want to know how the lens zoom length affects shutter speed on these newer lenses. Thanks!
Doug,
I am a big guy 6'2" 300lbs and I don't hand hold big zoom lenses. I have a monopod with a grip swivel and use that most of the time. If I have the ability to use the tripod I do so. Far too easy to have slight movement hand holding. I can hold it for one maybe two pictures then the weight starts to become the issue.
Merry Christmas.
George
Dec 8, 2011 09:26:02 #
I hand hold a 150/500 but there is a huge difference on the tripod. Stick with the old rule you'll be safe
Dec 8, 2011 10:22:08 #
ebaribeault wrote:
I still use the rule as a guide though with IS and VR you normally can go to somewhat slower shutter speeds hand held. Keep in mind the longer and heavier the lens is and its balance with the camera are all considerations
I use a 70-300mm VR lens a lot. I've found that by baracing my arm against my chest will help a lot. Also, the controlled breathing is excellent....just like target shooting!
Dec 8, 2011 10:30:24 #
Even though the old rules apply, just remember if you are shooting digital which might uses the smaller chip you should factor in the 1.5 or 1.4 magnification factor of the camera. Hence a 200mm lens is now a 300 mm lens. Therefore a higher shutter speed will be needed.
Dec 8, 2011 10:58:30 #
silver
Loc: Santa Monica Ca.
Doug46 wrote:
On the new zoom lenses, does the old rule of using a tripod if the shutter speed is longer than the inverse of the lens length still apply (200mm = 1/200 sec = fastest to handhold?) Or does the fact that the lens is physically shorter than the old prime long lenses were change the equation? I realize image stabiliztion will help regardless, just want to know how the lens zoom length affects shutter speed on these newer lenses. Thanks!
Everybody wants to hand hold while they are shooting but the reality of the situation is that using a tripod is the best way to get sharp images. Sometimes I do shoot hand held and I can hand hold a camera really well but I decided a long time ago to use a tripod. This does one very important thing, it slows me down. I know that using a tripod can be a hassle but it is really the best way. There are many people that will brag about hand holding but I couldnt care less. I want the best image quality. I am not in a hurry and cameras and lenses are heavy today. whats the big deal with hand holding, I personally done get it?
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